Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I get details on AKC tracking?
A: Download or order a copy of the AKC Tracking Regulations so you will know what is required to pass the TD/TDX/VST tests. To order, you may email AKC: orderdesk@akc.org or download a copy with link AKC Tracking Regulations booklet . Even if you think you are only interested in the TD test, reading first about all tests prevents having to retrain mistakes later.
Q: Where can I get specifics about INTC Tests, sites, dates, fees, entry forms or other specific information?
A: Click on 'Premium & Entry Form' on this site and you can download
the Premium List, Entry & Map to the test site.
Q: What are the basic features of a TD
Test?
A: The fundamental features of a TD test are the dog's ability to follow
a track laid by a person (tracklayer) under a variety of conditions on
moderate terrain and to find an article dropped by that person at the
end of the track. The track length is 440 to 500 yards with 3 to 5
turns. The scent on the track from the tracklayer footsteps may be
aged from 30 minutes minimum to 2 hours maximum. Read AKC Tracking
Regulations Chapter 3, Tracking Dog Test for detailed specifics.
Q: What is the minimum age of my dog to
enter a TD test?
A: 6 months
Q: What is required besides the Entry Form
and fees for the TD test?
A: A Certification statement must be included for any dog that does not have a TD title. Once you have trained your dog & are ready to enter a TD test, then you will need to find a tracking judge for a certification track. This track is similar in complexity to a TD test. If you pass the certification test, the judge will issue a written Certification statement which states that your dog has passed the certification test. You will mail the Certification statement with the entry fees and entry form. Judges may charge a fee for a certification test.
Q: What are the basic features of a TDX
Test?
A: The fundamental features of a TDX test is to show unquestionably that the dog has the ability to discriminate scent and possesses the stamina, perseverance, and courage to do so under a wide variety of conditions. The dog should find all the articles dropped on the track by the tracklayer. Track length is 800 to 1000 yards, 5 to 7 turns, and the scent on the track from the tracklayer's footsteps may be aged from minimum 3 hours to maximum 5 hours. The dog should ignore cross tracks from non-tracklayers and navigate the tracklayer scent through obstacles such woods, roads, gullies, fences, etc. Read AKC Tracking Regulations Chapter 4, Tracking Dog Excellent Test for detailed specifics.
Q: What is required besides the Entry Form
and fees for the TDX Test?
A: The dog must have a TD title.
Q: What are the basic features of a VST Test?
The fundamental features of a VST test verify the dog's ability to recognize and follow human scent while adapting to changing scenting conditions. The dog should find all the articles dropped on the track by the tracklayer. VST tracking is essentially urban tracking where the dog must differentiate the tracklayer's scent from public foot traffic, cars, and non-vegetated surfaces like parking lots, etc. Track length is 600 to 800 yards with 4 to 8 turns (at least one of which must be in an area devoid of vegetation) and the scent from the tracklayer's footsteps may be aged from 3 hours minimum to 5 hours maximum. The track will have 3 different surfaces which will include vegetation such as grass and two areas devoid of vegetation such as concrete, gravel, sand, asphalt, mulch, etc. Dogs must navigate through the scenting conditions of close proximity to buildings, ramps, stairs, parking garages, etc. Read AKC Tracking Regulations Chapter 5, Variable Surface Tracking Test for detailed specifics.
Q: What is required besides the Entry Form and fees for the VST test?
A: The dog must have a TD title or a TDX title.
Q: What is a Champion Tracking Title?
A: AKC will issue a Champion Tracker certificate and permit use of letters CT preceding the name of each dog that has earned all three tracking titles: TD, TDX and VST.
Q: How can I order one of your club's tracking T-Shirts?
A: Click on Fundraisers button and then download a T-Shirt Order Form. Mail the form and fees to the name listed on the form.